Today in Muslim History: November 6

On November 6, 644, the third caliphate started when Hazrat Usman bin Affan (RA) came at the helm of affairs as a result of an election. The election was conducted by the committee formed by none other than second Caliph Hazrat Umar bin Farooq.

Early Life

Hazrat Usman (RA) was born to a well-reputed family of Makkah, known as ‘Ummayah’, in 573 A.D. He was a close companion of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) and was among the few first believers of Islam.

He got the title of ‘Ghani’ (very generous) owing to his generosity in his early life.

He had to endure torture and physical suffering after embracing Islam. However, this treatment could not waiver his faith and he migrated to Abyssinia after taking permission from the Holy Prophet (SAW).

He participated in every battle against non-Muslims, except for Ghazva Badr. He also purchased a piece of land to increase the capacity of Masjid-Nabwi (SAW).

Another service that he had done for Muslims is buying a renowned well called ‘Bi’r-i-Rumah) from a Jew in Medina and making it free for the migrants from Makkah (muhajireen-e-Makkah) who had trouble finding water at that time.

He was awarded the title of ‘Dhun-Nurain’ (possessor of two lights) for entering into matrimony with two of the Prophet (SAW)’s daughters i.e. Hazrat Ruqqaya (R.A) and Hazrat Umm-e-Kulsoom (R.A).

Caliphate

Being the Caliph, the third among Khulfa-e-Rashideen (Rightly Guided Caliphs), Hazrat Usman (RA) formed the first-ever naval force in the Muslim history. In this way, he laid a crucial stone in the dimensions of modern strategy.

With this naval force, he won a significant battle against the Byzantine Empire. His naval fleet comprised 500 ships at that time. During his reign, the Muslim state won battles with the Romans and North African territories came under the Muslim jurisdiction.

He also supervised the compilation of the Quran, thus known as Jami-ul-Quran (the compiler of the Quran).

He got assassinated on Friday, 17th of Dhul Hijjah 35 A.H, June 17, 656 at the age of 84.

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